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doiron_dancer75 · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 5:50 am Post subject: Starting problems

Ok so we fixed the ignition switch on my car because it let go, now there's too much power going through the car...Let's put it this way, not too cool when you shut it off and it's still started and won't shut off. So we guessed it was the alternator since we had problems with it before, tested and the guy said it was fine. Do you guys have any ideas?

Thank you

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Sounds to me like you didn't replace the ignition switch with the right part.

rkn · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 176 Location: Copenhagen

so if I understand correctly you have a stopping problem - not a starting one?

What is "too much power"? How much have you measured, and where? If the car is still running smoothly after you turn the key, I would still guess it is the ignition switch.
If it is stumbling / self-igniting, it's probably something else. Check for any loose engine grounds?
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1980 924NA ROW

doiron_dancer75 · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:24 am Post subject:

Well stopping and starting, it was working fine during the day, and now tonight it wouldn't want to start. Sometimes it stops/starts fine, other times it doesn't. We haven't measured the power, although it goes back to the coil and the car stays started. If we stall it then the lights stay on and we have to unplug the plug to the alternator. I'll get my dad to look at the engine grounds tomorrow. My father says that it is self-igniting, so we'll be looking at it tomorrow.

gohim · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 4459 Location: Rialto, CA

Maybe you didn't get my point.

Where did you get the replacement ignition switch?

Used one from another 924? Used one from a VW? New generic switch from an auto parts store? New 924 specific ignition switch from a German Parts Specialist Supplier?

The reason that I ask is because as I suggested, and as someone else mentioned, it sounds like your problem is still ignition switch related. Either the switch you got is the wrong one, or it's defective, or it was installed wrong. Maybe the shaft from the lock cylinder is engaged properly in the front of the ignition switch.

Many ignition switches from VWs and some from other cars makers look the same, but are in actuality wired up differently internally. I found this out when I tried a new spare ignition switch for my 924NA, in my 86 VW Jetta GL. The switches looked identical, but were infact different internally, and I had to take the Porsche ignition switch back out and get a VW specific ignition switch to make the Jetta electrical system operate correctly.

If you bought a new switch from a Non-Specialized auto parts store, may be they inadvertently gave you the wrong one. They look alike, and an uninformed parts counter person could have given you the wrong one.

Ozzie · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 4:36 pm Post subject:

It is possible that the old switch let go because some moron has been messing with the wiring.
_________________
Porsche 924 1984 (UK import) NA
Its AUTO and its BLACK
Montego Black on black/red
Engineer of Electro/Mechanical Systems Maintenance

doiron_dancer75 · Posted: Sat Jun 20, 2009 6:13 am Post subject:

I got my replacement switch brand new at an auto parts store, the guy who sold it ordered it specifically for my car and he knows his stuff. Maybe it is deffective, I'll get a look at it with my father tonight.